When a country is run by a culture that prioritizes securing political votes, it inevitably leads to the erosion of the principles of law, the appearance of professionalism, and the assurance of the safety of our guests. To set a proper standard, we must exclude "friends, family, and lovers" from the business of running this country. Only those who meet the highest standards should offer services to our visitors, who are our lifeline. The pervasive neglect driven by self-interest and petty party politics is detrimental to everyone, including our guests. This neglect is, in fact, killing all of us, and the recent tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for change.

The world's "largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) organizations" is the USofA; why would this missing 'he/she' be a concern ...just curious why you would ask?

...well, that area is known for its tiger shark activity; swimming alone could result in an unexpected encounter with the most aggressive sharks in our waters. RIP Bro.

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Further compounding the issue is the troubling pattern of police misconduct. Instances of police killing unarmed men and allegations of police stealing $5000 from a home add to the growing concerns. These incidents highlight a lack of interest from the police in investigating criminal activities within the walls of Bahamian government agencies. This consistent disinterest fuels public frustration and diminishes trust in law enforcement.

These systemic issues are not isolated events but part of a broader culture of corruption and abuse of power. The police's failure to pursue complaints and investigate these matters further erodes public confidence in the justice system. The US government's recent highlighting of these problems underscores the need for comprehensive reform to address these deeply ingrained issues.

In conclusion, the pervasive corruption and lack of accountability within Bahamian government institutions demand urgent attention and thorough reform. Addressing these systemic issues is essential to restoring public trust and ensuring fair treatment for all citizens. My personal experience supports the view that while the thought of vigilante justice is ever-present, it poses a grave risk of widespread violence and retribution. Therefore, substantial reforms are necessary to address the root causes of corruption and protect the rights and dignity of all Bahamians.

The persistent culture of corruption within Bahamian government institutions has severely eroded public confidence in the democratic process, the rule of law, and law enforcement. This issue is exacerbated by the historical and frequent nature of corruption allegations, including suspicious activities and recent governmental decisions that negatively impact the populace.

A particularly troubling case involves the suspicious sale of an individual's boat, highlighting the lack of transparency and integrity in governmental processes. This incident, among many others, underscores a consistent pattern of misconduct that remains unaddressed by the authorities.

The recent news article emphasizes the United States' concerns regarding The Bahamas' failure to investigate corruption allegations against immigration officers at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre. Despite maintaining a Tier 1 ranking in the US Trafficking in Persons Report, the country has not proactively screened for human trafficking among vulnerable communities in 2023. This reflects more profound issues of party affiliation, bias, and extensive corruption within these institutions.

The United States acknowledges The Bahamas' efforts to investigate and prosecute suspected traffickers, identify victims, and raise awareness in vulnerable communities. However, persistent allegations of corruption and official complicity in trafficking crimes remain significant concerns. For instance, foreign sex trafficking victims reported that officers at the detention centre solicited bribes in exchange for their release, with the investigation remaining incomplete by the end of the reporting period. Additionally, reports indicate that some immigration officials may have solicited bribes from Haitian migrants to prevent detention, further highlighting the entrenched corruption within the immigration system.

Recent comments from former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis reveal further systemic issues. Dr Minnis warned that Bahamians would face increased costs to import goods via air freight from New Year's Day due to a $25 million outsourcing deal struck by the government with JDL. This agreement to transform the Government's air freight terminal has sparked fears among Bahamian courier companies of potential closures or layoffs. JDL's 40 cents per pound to scan imported air cargo for contraband increases air freight-related costs for Bahamian consumers amidst a cost of living crisis and imposes an upfront handling fee on couriers, exacerbating their financial strain.

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The persistent cultural practices involving Bahamian government officials have severely eroded public confidence in the democratic process, the rule of law, the legal system, and law enforcement. Victims of these abuses rarely see justice or satisfaction. A particularly egregious abuse involves violating intellectual property rights when proposals are submitted to the government. Follow-ups often lead to a dark, bottomless pit of frustration, causing individuals to give up. Proposals are frequently presented to the cabinet for approval and announced to the public without crediting the original authors. The Ministry of Finance is notorious for these practices, exhibiting a clear pattern of abuse over time.

The police consistently show a lack of interest in hearing these complaints from the public, leading to a growing belief that "Bahamians need to take the law into their own hands" and personally confront these corrupt officials.

This situation illustrates a troubling pattern of corruption and abuse of power within the Bahamian government, particularly within the Ministry of Finance. The lack of police interest in such complaints exacerbates the problem, leading many to believe that they must take matters into their own hands to seek justice. The systemic issues highlighted by this case demand urgent attention and reform to restore public trust and ensure fair treatment for all citizens. Personal experience suggests that while the thought of vigilante justice is ever-present, it carries the grave risk of widespread violence and retribution.

It is concerning to read about the Deveaux family's ordeal and their ongoing health and financial distress following the police search of their home. While the investigation into the missing $9,000 is still pending, this incident highlights the need for greater scrutiny and transparency regarding police conduct.
A more informative report might examine how frequently such claims are made against the police and how these cases are typically resolved. Understanding the prevalence of these incidents is crucial to assessing whether they indicate a pattern of behaviour that requires systemic reform.
Accountability mechanisms should be robust and transparent, ensuring that misconduct allegations are thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed. Moreover, affected individuals, like the Deveaux family, should receive timely updates and support throughout the investigative process to mitigate further distress and hardship.
Understanding the broader context of such claims can foster a more informed public dialogue and help develop solutions that enhance trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

Proposal for the Road Traffic Department (RTD)

The Road Traffic Department (RTD) has long been plagued by systemic issues driven primarily by petty politics and outright corruption. For over two decades, these issues have transformed the department into a personal financial supplement for a select few individuals. These individuals have connections extending to the highest levels of the Ministry of Finance, a small cadre of providers, and both current and former employees of the RTD. This corruption has fueled a lifestyle of opulence for those involved, akin to the standards of the ultra-rich. Furthermore, this corruption is highly contested and protected, making resolution difficult. For example, The Bahamas has gone without new license plates for the past three months due to infighting over which group will provide the service.

The persistent dysfunction within the RTD is a unique phenomenon; similar patterns are not observed in other jurisdictions where management and technology discourage corruption. The inefficiency and confusion that currently characterize the RTD are deliberate constructs designed to facilitate financial gain for those manipulating the system. When the department fails to function effectively, it creates opportunities for illicit income.

A more effective solution would involve overhauling the RTD's management structure. I challenge both political parties to consider privatizing the department's management. Introducing private sector management could eliminate 99.9% of the current problems, as private entities are typically more efficient, transparent, and accountable than their public sector counterparts. This approach would align the department's operations with best practices observed in other successful jurisdictions, ultimately fostering a more functional and less corrupt RTD.

Brother Capron, the Bahamas is not a true country and never was. However, it could be if a few strong men commit themselves to manage this little piece of paradise properly.

...keeping my mouth shut!